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The Book of Learning
Sometimes, it takes more than one lifetime to put things right...
After the death of her beloved grandpa, Ebony Smart’s world is turned upside down. Sent to Dublin to live with an aunt she didn’t know existed, she soon discovers that her new home, 23 Mercury Lane, is full of secrets.
Learning that she is part of an ancient order of people who have the power to reincarnate, Ebony quickly discovers that a terrible evil threatens their existence. With just her pet rat, Winston, and a mysterious book to help her, she must figure out why her people are disappearing and how to save their souls, including her own, before time runs out …
After the death of her beloved grandpa, Ebony Smart’s world is turned upside down. Sent to Dublin to live with an aunt she didn’t know existed, she soon discovers that her new home, 23 Mercury Lane, is full of secrets.
Learning that she is part of an ancient order of people who have the power to reincarnate, Ebony quickly discovers that a terrible evil threatens their existence. With just her pet rat, Winston, and a mysterious book to help her, she must figure out why her people are disappearing and how to save their souls, including her own, before time runs out …
349 pages, Paperback
First published August 28, 2015
4 people are currently reading
131 people want to read
About the author
E.R. Murray
10 books61 followersE. R. Murray lives in West Cork, where she fishes, grows her own vegetables and enjoys plenty of outdoor adventures. Her debut, The Book of Learning, is the first book in her Nine Lives Trilogy (Mercier Press).
Elizabeth loves travel, and has taught creative writing in schools around the world, including Cambodia. She believes everyone has good stories to tell.
While travelling, Elizabeth also parachuted out of an aeroplane, swam with sharks and stingrays, and ate lots of insects. At home, Elizabeth likes reading to her dog, Franklyn.
Elizabeth loves travel, and has taught creative writing in schools around the world, including Cambodia. She believes everyone has good stories to tell.
While travelling, Elizabeth also parachuted out of an aeroplane, swam with sharks and stingrays, and ate lots of insects. At home, Elizabeth likes reading to her dog, Franklyn.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
September 20, 2015
An amazing read that I literally couldn't put down, I kept trying to figure out the ending and didn't see it coming at all! Absolutely brilliant characters like Aunt Ruby really make this book. I need the next one right now! Oh and there's a pet rat called Winston! A great read for 9-12 year olds. Rivalling the gripping quality of Derek Landy, and Alan Early, this is a smart and addictive read.
August 19, 2016
This was the worst birthday ever.
Behold the understatement of the century.
The Book of Learning, contrary to the title, is not in fact intended for any sort of educational purpose, unless in some unorthodox schooling system it is considered important to instruct students on how to befriend rats and escape prehistoric wildcats. No, The Book of Learning is the story of Ebony Smart, a young girl who is forced to live with a most eccentric aunt and uncle following the mysterious death of her beloved grandfather. In her new home she finds the eponymous Book, which guides her on an increasingly dark quest to unravel the enigma surrounding her grandfather, come to terms with her own twisted destiny as the subject of an ancient legend, and learn to trust absolutely nobody. Oh, and she also discovers that she is a member of a secret Order capable of reincarnation. As you do.
I should first make it quite clear that I was (and still am, curiously enough) older than the target audience age-group when I read this, so I fear some of its excellence may have been lost on me (hence the four stars, not five). Nevertheless, I have tried as best I can in this review to return to childhood (oh God) and focus on the question "What would its intended readers make of this book?" And, really, I think they would love it. If I was about three years younger than I am now, I would give it five stars without a doubt.
The plot is constantly intriguing, and boasts some stunningly original ideas, a virtue that is practically unique in the modern world of rehashings and veiled plagiarism. Almost every chapter ends with a hook to drag you into the next one. Twists come in abundance towards the end, and, although I might have seen some of them coming, I believe they would all be fantastically thrilling to someone younger. The plot, it must be said, is a little confusing at times, however. For the majority of the book the confusing details are punctuated with scenes of action and are given ample time to sink into the minds of the readers and be understood, but near the end this balance seems to crash and burn a bit, and a keen eye might diagnose the occasional plot hole. Despite this, the excitement persists, and keeps you reading to the last word.
The characterisation is good, if slightly simple (but for the proper readership, that wouldn't matter very much). There were a number of instances where I thought, "That's a bit too innocent" or "I wish that character had gone slightly further there", but overall it's quite believable. (Yes, even Winston the rat, eventually.)
The writing style throughout is... unusual, but good. Writing styles never have clear distinctions between them, so it's often difficult to pinpoint what exactly is different in one method from another, but something about this book felt incredibly familiar and relatable. So far I've attributed it to a more frequent use of colloquialisms and "friendly" phrasing than in other books that strive to uphold a stricter, slightly more stilted form of prose. I may be wrong, of course, but whatever it is, it adds something rare to the book that makes the reader like it more.
So, ultimately, this is a book that doesn't quite transcend the generations as easily or effectively as it might have hoped. Beyond the age of 14, its appeal will start to slip a little. But before the age of 14, it will be immensely enjoyable, the sort of book that someone could remember later in life as a pillar of their childhood, something they could read late into the night under the covers. Prepare for a whirlwind of excitement, which is very satisfying, even if excitement is the only real emotion there is. And pay attention to the sequels. There are two books left in this trilogy, and from where this first one ended, I think they'll be even better.
Behold the understatement of the century.
The Book of Learning, contrary to the title, is not in fact intended for any sort of educational purpose, unless in some unorthodox schooling system it is considered important to instruct students on how to befriend rats and escape prehistoric wildcats. No, The Book of Learning is the story of Ebony Smart, a young girl who is forced to live with a most eccentric aunt and uncle following the mysterious death of her beloved grandfather. In her new home she finds the eponymous Book, which guides her on an increasingly dark quest to unravel the enigma surrounding her grandfather, come to terms with her own twisted destiny as the subject of an ancient legend, and learn to trust absolutely nobody. Oh, and she also discovers that she is a member of a secret Order capable of reincarnation. As you do.
I should first make it quite clear that I was (and still am, curiously enough) older than the target audience age-group when I read this, so I fear some of its excellence may have been lost on me (hence the four stars, not five). Nevertheless, I have tried as best I can in this review to return to childhood (oh God) and focus on the question "What would its intended readers make of this book?" And, really, I think they would love it. If I was about three years younger than I am now, I would give it five stars without a doubt.
The plot is constantly intriguing, and boasts some stunningly original ideas, a virtue that is practically unique in the modern world of rehashings and veiled plagiarism. Almost every chapter ends with a hook to drag you into the next one. Twists come in abundance towards the end, and, although I might have seen some of them coming, I believe they would all be fantastically thrilling to someone younger. The plot, it must be said, is a little confusing at times, however. For the majority of the book the confusing details are punctuated with scenes of action and are given ample time to sink into the minds of the readers and be understood, but near the end this balance seems to crash and burn a bit, and a keen eye might diagnose the occasional plot hole. Despite this, the excitement persists, and keeps you reading to the last word.
The characterisation is good, if slightly simple (but for the proper readership, that wouldn't matter very much). There were a number of instances where I thought, "That's a bit too innocent" or "I wish that character had gone slightly further there", but overall it's quite believable. (Yes, even Winston the rat, eventually.)
The writing style throughout is... unusual, but good. Writing styles never have clear distinctions between them, so it's often difficult to pinpoint what exactly is different in one method from another, but something about this book felt incredibly familiar and relatable. So far I've attributed it to a more frequent use of colloquialisms and "friendly" phrasing than in other books that strive to uphold a stricter, slightly more stilted form of prose. I may be wrong, of course, but whatever it is, it adds something rare to the book that makes the reader like it more.
So, ultimately, this is a book that doesn't quite transcend the generations as easily or effectively as it might have hoped. Beyond the age of 14, its appeal will start to slip a little. But before the age of 14, it will be immensely enjoyable, the sort of book that someone could remember later in life as a pillar of their childhood, something they could read late into the night under the covers. Prepare for a whirlwind of excitement, which is very satisfying, even if excitement is the only real emotion there is. And pay attention to the sequels. There are two books left in this trilogy, and from where this first one ended, I think they'll be even better.
October 22, 2015
A magical adventure full of weird and wonderful characters. An air of mystery pervades and surprises await on every page. My favourite scene was the one where Ebony went out to the island. It was beautifully written and vivid. Kids of 8+ will love it.
November 19, 2015
Poor Ebony. After an idyllic life on a farm near a village by the sea with her grandfather and her pet rat, life is thrown upside down by the sudden mysterious death of her grandfather. She is whisked off to Dublin by a Judge and sent to live with an aunt she never heard of. Not only that, she is part of a society of people who reincarnate through different lives. and her previous lives have not been terribly long-lived affairs. This one seems set to be cut short too. Can she solve the riddles and uncovers the secrets of the Nine Lives? Will she find out who murdered her granddad before it's too late? Who can she trust?
Packed with brilliantly barking ideas, mad settings, wild characters and strange inventions, this is a rip-roaring, action packed, twisty and turny read from the opening page to the final paragraph. Ebony's adventures are fast and furious and she and the reader are kept guessing right up to the end. Completely mad and lots of fun.
Packed with brilliantly barking ideas, mad settings, wild characters and strange inventions, this is a rip-roaring, action packed, twisty and turny read from the opening page to the final paragraph. Ebony's adventures are fast and furious and she and the reader are kept guessing right up to the end. Completely mad and lots of fun.
January 5, 2016
I loved everything about this book so it’s hard to say which parts I enjoyed the most. Probably it was when things got really creepy – like the moment when Ebony sees herself in the mirror. Things started getting really weird and exciting and I couldn’t stop reading! I also fell in love with Winston the rat – I’d love to have a pet rat (but we have lots of cats so it wouldn’t really work out)!
October 13, 2015
I absolutely adore Ebony and her world! Great story and highly likable characters make it a very good read not just for kids. Excited to see a strong and witty role-model for young girls to follow. Looking forward to the rest of the Nine Lives Trilogy!
March 31, 2021
What a perfect, PERFECT gem of a book! Picked it up by pure chance at the airport in Cork, nearly 5 years ago. And then never got round to reading it. Am sad I didn’t because it’s so wonderful, it kept me hooked from the start and finished it in almost one setting. I don’t understand why this book, or trilogy, isn’t more popular, because it’s just brilliant. Fantasy, mystery, fast paced, likable premise and characters etc...And an easy read, in between middle grade and YA I think.
I’ve ordered the other 2 books as well, which took me a while, because here in The Netherlands it’s a hard find. Can’t wait to keep on reading!
I’ve ordered the other 2 books as well, which took me a while, because here in The Netherlands it’s a hard find. Can’t wait to keep on reading!
September 10, 2018
I gave this book five stars because of its awesome cover, its great, exciting and sometimes pleasantly creepy plot and idea. One of the best books for kids 8 to 12 (Although I'm 14 and really enjoyed it, so read it however old you are). Overall, it was really well written, with a very interesting concept. Deserves to be far more known than it is.
January 2, 2021
Yeah, not for me. Logic lacking.
Want to read
October 6, 2021Nice will be awesome
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 6, 2016
This is an absolutely awesome read! I'm squee-ing as I write this because just because Ebony has a lot of hardship to overcome. Wherever she looks there are questions about who she is, and each time she learns a new piece of information there's more mystery staring her in the face. She is plucky, has a few fears but when there's not choice but to leap into the unknown she does it. She isn't alone though – aside from her weird relatives who aren't all they seem, she has her faithful companion Winston, who saves the day more than once. It's hard when Winston leaves her at a point in the novel, because then she does feel alone. She does make a few other allies – some really can't be called friends since they turn on her, who have their own peculiarities which make them memorable.
This book has a great deal of mishaps which look as if they are end of the world type events, but I promise that Ebony's outlook on life and the sheer joy when things go right for her make it worth sitting through the negative situations, as well as the plain weird ones (I'm into more positive reading at the moment, but books like this an exception). It's a joy to know there are 2 more adventures for Ebony to embark on, both which I'm sure will have higher stakes.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review on my blog Nayu's Reading Corner http://nayusreadingcorner.blogspot.co...
This book has a great deal of mishaps which look as if they are end of the world type events, but I promise that Ebony's outlook on life and the sheer joy when things go right for her make it worth sitting through the negative situations, as well as the plain weird ones (I'm into more positive reading at the moment, but books like this an exception). It's a joy to know there are 2 more adventures for Ebony to embark on, both which I'm sure will have higher stakes.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review on my blog Nayu's Reading Corner http://nayusreadingcorner.blogspot.co...
February 5, 2016
I discovered this book at the library because it was chosen for the 2016 Citywide Reading for Children Campaign run by Dublin UNESCO City of Literature and Dublin City Council’s Libraries Services.
This adventure book is set in Dublin and is full of mystery and wonder. There’s obviously more story brewing as it’s the first of three novels. If you’re looking for strong, defiant characters, a good story and a bit of magic then this is a great read for 8-12 year olds. Younger readers might find some of the scenes scary but that shouldn’t deter parents from reading it with under 8s. And I enjoyed it as an adult reader so it would be fun for over 12s as well.
This adventure book is set in Dublin and is full of mystery and wonder. There’s obviously more story brewing as it’s the first of three novels. If you’re looking for strong, defiant characters, a good story and a bit of magic then this is a great read for 8-12 year olds. Younger readers might find some of the scenes scary but that shouldn’t deter parents from reading it with under 8s. And I enjoyed it as an adult reader so it would be fun for over 12s as well.
October 12, 2015
I love Ebony and her world! This is a great story and its highly likable characters make it a very good read for kids and adults alike.
I am very excited to see a strong-minded and funny role-model for young girls to follow - a character which is intelligent and curious!I am very much looking forward to the rest of the Nine Lives Trilogy and going onto next adventure with Miss Smart!
I am very excited to see a strong-minded and funny role-model for young girls to follow - a character which is intelligent and curious!I am very much looking forward to the rest of the Nine Lives Trilogy and going onto next adventure with Miss Smart!
December 9, 2015
Wonderful story, impossible to put down! Cannot wait for the next one in the trilogy. The story was exciting and very unpredictable. Akin yet stand alone from Philip Pullman, Neil Gaiman and Isabella Carmody; E.R.Murray is leaving her mark!
This is a book that will satisfy both Adults and Children, do yourself a favor and give it a go!
This is a book that will satisfy both Adults and Children, do yourself a favor and give it a go!
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March 15, 2018I loved this book, I was completely enthralled with the magic if it. I only wish it had been around when I was 10 or 11, I'd have been incredibly impressed with it. Not least because it's set in Dublin. Looking forward to part two of the trilogy!
October 20, 2015
Full review to follow, but must say how enthralling the scene with Ebony on the boat was...I was really turning the pages. Looking forward to seeing what she does next!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews